Running Solo???

[apollo]

I have been investigating, reading, talking, asking questions, etc over the last 3 months. I am trying to decide if I want to go to TT school and drive OTR tractor trailers or drive in the expediting field. I have the opportunity to go to Class B CDL school in July or go to Millis Transfer Company School and drive the TT (tractor trailer).

I know what TT pays per mile as a company driver. After school and 4-8 weeks with a trainer it starts at .31cpm with around 2700-3200 miles per week average acording to Millis. I figure low when calculating income with a 2400 mile per average week. I always figure a worse cause scenario.

I know everyone probably agrees that going as a solo driver expediting, you would not earn as much as a husband/wife team. Does anyone have a rough idea what a solo driver could earn in expediting? I have looked at several O/O that I could drive for. Most have a 60/40 split where I pay for fuel. Most are signed on with Panther II that I have talked to.

My wife isn't sure if she would want to do the driving anytime soon. She did mention in maybe 6 months she would give it a try.

Any feedback is greatly appreciated.

Thanks

 

[RichM]

I am assuming you have to sign up for some type of time frame for Millis to train you for free. If you get a Class A CDL and drive for a year you can always go either way,drop down to a straight truck which requires a Class B or continue on with the TT loads. If it was me I would opt for the CDL A as it gives you more options for the future.
Running solo in the expediting field you will probably average a gross of $1600- $2000 per week,Some weeks better,some weeks worse,as you read through the forum posts you will see that location is the most important issue for expedite loads. If you run a 60/40 spilt ,avearge $1800 you will receive $1080 but will be buying your fuel out of that so you will probably wind up with around $750-800 for yourself.Best way to go is to get your wife onboard as then you are not limited by HOS rules. Good luck. One other important thing is to get a Haz/Mat endorsement on your CDL,just about all of the expedite companies require that.

 

[apollo]

Sorry, I should have mentioned I live just south of Atlanta, GA. I know location can mean a lot with the runs you get, home time, etc.

Thanks for the reply.

 

[RichM]

Atlanta is a good location for getting trips out and back.